My warmest greetings to the school officials, administrators, faculty members and advisers, teachers, parents and guardians of the graduates of school year 2016-2017 with the theme, “Sabay-Sabay na Hakbang Tungo sa Maunlad na Kinabukasan."

If a man wants education, he can learn all he wants. But if a man wants to prove himself, a diploma would be a tangible proof for everyone. However, diplomas are only symbols, but education lasts a lifetime.

Dear graduates, congratulations on this special day when you reap the fruits of your hard work and perseverance in the past years – all those nights of painstakingly studying your lessons and those days of putting your knowledge at work to be a step closer to your dreams. This day is a commemoration of your achievements, a time to anticipate future opportunities, and a season to embrace and thank people who have helped you in one way or the other to reach this finish line.

With all the knowledge, skills, and values you acquired, you have prepared yourself for life-changing endeavors and infinite possibilities. As you journey through life, keep working hard because this is just the beginning of many challenges as well as future successes.

Make your country proud of you and your accomplishments. Your mentors are confident that you will continue living up to become citizens of character and lofty ideals, and whose critical thinking and competency will take the country to path of global competitiveness and recognition.

All the best in your next endeavor and congratulations!

Meanwhile, based on DepEd's school calendar, the last day of classes is on April 7 (Friday).